Empty unit at Stane Park in Colchester could be demolished

Agents overseeing the leisure park in Stanway have asked Colchester Council for permission to demolish the empty unit which had been eyed up by the fast-food chain.

The application reveals there has been a “lack of market interest in letting the unit” and its demolition could make way for “comprehensive redevelopment of the site”.

A letter to the council’s planning department explains site bosses feel flattening to unit to offer prospective occupiers a blank canvas to house their business would be beneficial.

Empty - the unit has been vacant since 2018 (Image: Google Maps)

“The applicant considers that the site would be more attractive to prospective occupiers as a vacant plot upon which a bespoke unit could be accommodated to meet the requirements of a specific occupier,” it says.

“They are now seeking to demolish the unit in order to facilitate a more comprehensive redevelopment to secure a more desirable format to enable the site to be brought into productive use.”

The empty unit hasn’t been occupied since it was built in 2018 but it was revealed last year Burger King was interested in the site.

The council rejected the bid, which also would’ve seen the building demolished and rebuilt to make way for a drive-thru lane, in October, arguing demolition would not be very climate-friendly.

Fast food - Colchester Council said 'no' to Burger King (Image: N/A)

Planning bosses also argued the new restaurant would be “car dominant” and would “not safeguard” pedestrian access across that area of Stane Park.

The leisure park is already home to the Princess Charlotte pub, a Nando’s restaurant, Starbucks and KFC drive-thrus, and a Vets for Pets veterinary practice.

The latest application says specialist agents have carried out extensive marketing but “no interest has been receiving in letting the unit in its current format, either as a restaurant or in an alternative commercial use”.

It adds: “The demolition of the building will be completed by a professional contractor, with competent site management, who will oversee all the works to ensure that they align with best work practice and mitigate any disturbance to local residents, neighbouring businesses, and the highway network.”